We promote strategic alliances to ensure that our cutting-edge chemistry generates a technological and economic impact that strengthens the well-being of citizens.
The IQAC understands transfer as an open process in which collaboration with external agents is essential to transform science into solutions. We work closely with patient associations to align our research in diagnostic and therapeutic lines with the unmet needs of society. This connection allows the knowledge generated to understand complex biological processes to have a direct and human social return.
On the other hand, we are an active part of innovation networks and platforms that enhance our ability to influence public policies and global challenges. Our collaboration with industry is key to implementing more sustainable and safer chemical processes, reducing environmental impact and improving food safety. Finally, cooperation with hospitals facilitates that our detection tools and newly discovered biomarkers reach clinical practice.
We maintain a firm commitment to responsible and close research, working to ensure that our cutting-edge chemistry brings well-being and hope to patients and their families.
The IQAC places the patient at the center of its scientific activity, understanding that advanced chemistry is a key tool for improving human health. Through our research lines in diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy, we develop innovative solutions that connect science with the needs of society. We actively collaborate with leading entities in the fight against cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s, where our advances in biosensors and nanomedicine seek a direct clinical impact. This collaboration is especially relevant in the field of rare or minority diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases, where our expertise allows us to open new treatment pathways where none existed before.
Our scientific activity reinforces this transfer model, transforming knowledge into more precise and safer therapies. Therefore, we believe in the value of dialogue and co-creation with patient associations to align our efforts in the laboratory with the demands of the affected groups.
We promote collaboration and open innovation to maximize the return of our knowledge to society.
The IQAC acts as a strategic node in the research ecosystem, leading and actively participating in high-impact networks at both national and international levels. At the national level, our researchers take on key coordination and leadership roles within structures of excellence such as the CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine). As a member center of the CSIC, we are part of its Interdisciplinary Thematic Platforms (PTI), such as SusPlast+ for circular economy or Global Health+, and transversal biomedical networks such as RER Biomed, dedicated to research in rare diseases. Our active presence in several CSIC-Hubs—specialized in cancer, nanomedicine, microbiome, computational biology and bioinformatics, or artificial intelligence—reinforces our capacity for technological influence and scientific anticipation.
Alliances with consortia such as XARTEC Salut, xarSMART, or the pediatric hub i4KIDS directly connect our research lines with the most urgent social and health challenges.
This national strength is complemented by a strong international projection. We are active members of leading global federations such as the EFMC (European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology) or the OTS (Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society), which we currently chair.
The IQAC projects its expertise in Europe through participation in various COST Actions (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), which foster the creation of highly collaborative research networks. Researchers from the center have collaborated and continue to collaborate in strategic initiatives such as Delve-into-Pneumocystis, to develop new knowledge for the diagnosis and control of Pneumocystis disease; E-NICHE, to unify European agents in chemical ecology, promoting visibility and the exchange of knowledge, tools, and platforms; Net4Brain, to boost research in brain cancer; ML4NGP, for the study of non-globular proteins with ML tools; and ProteoCure, for the study of proteolysis as a target for proteome remodeling.
Active involvement in multiple international networks reinforces the center’s capacity to exchange cutting-edge knowledge and address global scientific issues. This participation allows us to influence scientific agendas at the European and international levels, collaborate on cross-border challenges, and access disruptive technologies.
We are committed to continuing to boost industrial competitiveness through applied research of excellence and effective technology transfer.
The IQAC is established as a scientific and technological partner for the industrial sector, transforming cutting-edge chemistry into competitive, high-value-added solutions. Through public-private collaboration projects, R&D contracts, and specialized technological support services, we respond to complex technical challenges in strategic fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, agrifood, and new materials.
The strength of these alliances is reflected in CPP projects, technological support contracts, or R&D contracts for the design of new drugs and advanced therapies, demonstrating our capacity to lead disruptive innovations. Although we maintain deep roots within the national industrial fabric, with frequent collaborations with the main companies in the chemical and health sectors, we have a marked international projection in which approximately 30% of our partners are leading global corporations. This activity is aligned with our research lines, ensuring that the knowledge developed generates a direct economic and social impact.
We work to continue shortening the distance between the laboratory and clinical practice to transform chemical science into well-being for society.
The IQAC promotes translational chemistry through close and consolidated cooperation with leading hospitals, acting as a direct bridge between molecular design and clinical practice. This strategic alliance allows our cutting-edge research in biosensors, nanomedicine, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules to be applied in the clinical setting for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases.
We work with leading institutions such as Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, and Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, with whom we share numerous scientific publications and joint ownership of patents in fields such as autoimmunity or controlled drug release. These synergies are especially focused on translational research on cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s and, very especially, on rare diseases, with disruptive projects for the diagnosis and monitoring of cystinosis or the treatment of Fabry disease. In addition to competitive projects and R&D contracts, we offer specialized services in lipidomics, proteomics, and custom antibody production to respond to specific clinical needs. This clinical-scientific integration is the engine that allows us to validate our cutting-edge chemistry in a real-world context.
